‘Workers have a friend in my Gov’t’ — President Ali vows to protect and empower Guyanese workers

In a heartfelt and forward-looking address on May Day, President Dr. Irfaan Ali reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for workers across Guyana, pledging continued investment in their prosperity and empowerment.

“Workers have a friend, not a foe, in my government,” President Ali declared in his Labour Day message, as thousands across the country and the globe marked International Workers’ Day with marches, rallies, and moments of reflection.

May Day, rooted in the struggle for fair labour practices and dignity at work, is more than a celebration—it is, as the president described, “a time to honour the historic sacrifices of the working class and to recommit to the principles of justice, equity, and solidarity.”

Ali paid tribute to generations of workers, both past and present, who, through unity and perseverance, secured better wages, improved working conditions, and social protections. “These victories were not handed down,” he noted. “They were earned through decades of struggle, courage, and unbreakable unity.”

Looking ahead, the president painted an optimistic vision for Guyanese workers, underpinned by a fast-growing economy and transformative national development. He emphasized that the gains of this progress will be equitably distributed.

“Our workers can now look forward to rising real incomes, new opportunities for wealth generation, and access to world-class healthcare and education,” Ali said. “We are not just building infrastructure—we are building futures.”

He highlighted ongoing efforts to lower energy costs, expand housing, and improve water and sanitation services, all aimed at lifting quality of life across the country. “Our mission is to ensure that no worker is left behind in the march toward national prosperity,” he added.

President Ali also urged unity within the labour movement, cautioning against division and mistrust. “The strength of workers has always been their solidarity,” he said. “Now more than ever, we must build bridges across industries, regions, and generations.”

He called for renewed dialogue between government, unions, and workers’ associations to further protect labour rights and expand opportunities for working-class empowerment.

“On this May Day, let us not only celebrate what we have achieved but also commit ourselves to building a future where the dignity of every worker is upheld,” he concluded. “Long live the working class of Guyana. Long live workers’ solidarity!”